WeI have a 35kw log boiler (Effecta) which we are learning to live with. Although, when it finally gets going, it heats up the 3000ltr accumulator tank to provide ufh and heat the upstairs rads ok, we are disappointed with amount of effort involved in getting the thing lit. It seems to light with paper, kindling and then logs at the bottom but then sometimes goes out - or at least just smoulders. We then have to open the door to let more oxygen in and stand there while it belches smoke and gets going again. Are we doing something wrong? Does anyone have any tips for a smoother operation as I can't believe that in Sweden they have to spend at least half an hour getting their boilers to function?

Not a top down burner is it?

Edit - looked on the website for the boiler and it does appear to be a down draft boiler. Are you supposed to light the paper and kindling on top of the logs rather than underneath them?

Second Edit - I miss read your lighting description I think, so paper and kindling on top of the logs is how you are doing at the momen?

This is my technique Lynne;

1) switch the power on
2) open the both doors
3) place a piece of waste cardboard or similar, roughly 8" x 10" over the base slot, to stop the kindling dropping through
4) place a log left and right of the firechamber base
5) put a few pieces of kindling or a thin log on the cardboard with a lighted firelighter and a few more small bits of kindling on top.
6) put a few more pieces of "small/thin" logs on top,- I keep thin logs to one side for this.
7) press the fan start button, and leave the bottom door open fully and the top door just ajar. I have a small piece of metal sheet thet I rest on the top door to direct any smoke into the smoke duct just above the firechamber.
8) leave it like this until the kindling and the thin logs are well alight, usually about a minute or so.
9) when the fire has taken hold, gently place in another couple of logs.
10) close the bottom door first and then the top door
11) wait until the smoke temp readout reaches above 100°C
12) open the top door and fill with logs.

NB. I'm sure you already do but just in case; make sure you are using well dried wood.

The whole process takes me about 5-10 minutes. Let me know how you get on. If you have difficulty whisper me and I'll give you my phone number.

Pretty good owlman but here is my technique which is almost the same as yours and I have found that it works every time an I get no smoke into the room.
1. Check that all systems are go and switch on the controller. (this is master of the whole system, it controls the bottom return temperature).
2. Open the top door only.
3. Switch on the boiler fan this sets the boiler into action (doing this early prevents ash and dust from billowing up into your face while loading the kindling).
4. Place a few bits of scrap cardboard over the bottom slot.
5. Gather up some kindling, a good handful (twigs or chopped up pallet is what I use).
6. Wrap the kindling with old newspaper - perhaps two sheets.
7. Poise yourself in front of the chamber and strike a match and set the paper alight - pop it straight into the chamber on top of the cardboard.
8. Put a couple more pieces of torn up cardboard on top of the kindling.
9. Close the door to within 3 inches of shut - this directs any stray smoke to the catcher slot above the chamber while you start grabbing wood (all of which should be pre-cut to match the chamber size and fairly close by.
10. fill the chamber now - smallish stuff first building quickly to larger stuff. Put as much in as you judge heat you will need for the whole burn.
11. Close the door when all loaded and voila.

Just check every 35 minutes to see all going fine. I use the alarm system on my mobile phone to remind me of this.

Posted By: cascade82..................Ours doesn't have a bottom door and while just leaving the top (only) door open seems to help, by doing this it gets very smokey in the garage and I end up smelling strongly of it too

This intrigues me Lynne, how do you empty the ash?



Posted By: crusoe.... Why does a damsel in distress get every red-blooded male in the (green building) vicinity queueing up to help - keyboard glowing red-hot.

Because chivalry isn't dead Crusoe, and we're gentlemen.


.......... le cheminee and assorted draughtage requirements are AOK?

If it's the machine I'm thinking of,- I've got one BTW, albeit an earlier model, it's a rear "in flue" fan assist model,
flue downdraught is unlikely to be a problem, unless the fan isn't working.


...........what you describe should not be happening.

True, although in the main some small ammount of initial start up smoke escape is usual, you need to see the internal smoke path architecture to understand this. It's mainly alleviated on start up by opening the bottom ash door, the one Lynne says she doesn't have,?? hence my intrigue.

Ah, chivalry alive and well. How sweet - good job I'm not the sort to feel patronised....

Moisture may be part if the problem but having to work with what we've got for now.

Anyway, I thank you all for your helpful tips and techniques.

No offence taken at all - just enjoying the blokey exchanges and grateful for the nerdiness of men that, ultimately, makes this site so helpful!

Who? Moi?

There are some faux pas so terrible that they should just not be spoken about...

Rgds

Damon

Gentleman? Speak for yourself owlman. You'll be offering to go up and light it next